Xcel Motorsport have confirmed its fourth and final driver and enter into a partnership with FAT Karting League (FKL) and FAT Racing to bring 16-year-old American driver Jackson Wolny to the Wera Tools F4 British Championship, certified by FIA grid this season.
Jackson won the FAT Racing F4 Shootout held earlier this year, and clinched a fully funded seat in the 2026 British F4 Championship. Wolny, who secured the FKL USA Midwest Junior Championship and finished third in the FKL World Finals, earns the seat following a comprehensive selection process held from 6-11 February 2026. The FAT Racing F4 Shootout brought together four FKL drivers – Jackson Wolny, California’s Shea Aldrich, Ellis McKenzie from Surrey, UK and South African Scotland-based driver Monde-Jnr Konini – for an intensive assessment programme covering all core competencies required of a modern racing driver.
Over six days, candidates were evaluated across karting performance, simulator work, psychometric analysis, media and communications, physical fitness and Formula 4 car testing, with Wolny delivering a standout performance across each discipline. The young American’s selection validates the meritocratic ecosystem of FKL. With its model of accessible progression, FKL now represents a real pathway from grassroots karting to single-seater racing.
Jackson Wolny has already started an intensive testing schedule with FAT Racing’s partner team, Xcel Motorsport, in preparation for the opening round of the championship at Donington Park on 18 April 2026.
Jackson Wolny, FAT Racing F4 Shootout winner:
“I’m ecstatic, British F4 is a dream come true! Europe takes racing very seriously and I’m excited to compete with such experienced drivers. The options for advancement in racing are usually limited to those with a lot of money, so the idea of making it to this level is typically not possible for most. I have so much respect for Rob and Ferdi for creating the FAT Karting League, which is such an amazing opportunity for young drivers to move forward based on talent. I’ve been working really hard to get to this level and trusting that God has a plan for me. I truly believed an opportunity would open up at some point and I’m thrilled it’s with FAT Racing. I can’t wait to see what we can do together and where this journey takes us.”
Rob Smedley, Co-Founder & CEO of FKL:
“Jackson has earned his place as our 2026 Formula 4 driver through a process that was rigorous, objective and uncompromising. This wasn’t a commercial decision, and it wasn’t influenced by background or budget; it was decided on outright performance. Junior motorsport has drifted too far from pure merit, and we set out to prove that there is another way.
“Promoting Jackson from FAT Karting League proves that standards can be raised when access widens. For the first time, our ecosystem has taken a driver from grassroots karting into F4 purely on ability; something we are incredibly proud of. Now the focus shifts to execution at the next level for both the team and Jackson.”
Ferdi Porsche, Co-Founder:
“Our FAT Racing Shootout was designed to identify more than just raw speed, we were searching for the complete package and with Jackson Wolny we have found exactly that. He has earned his place through performance, talent, discipline and mental strength, and we’re excited to take the next step together in British F4. What makes this moment even more special is that Jackson will become the very first driver of our newly founded FAT Racing Department. We are building a program that will grow to more F4 cars, as well as F3 and F2. Having him lead the first chapter of that journey is something we are extremely proud of.”
